The death toll due to coronavirus outbreak has crossed 17 across India and the total number of cases has shot up to 724. While there’s panic owing to the 21-day lockdown, there are also not enough isolation wards for patients or masks for healthcare professionals. Citizens are going through a tough time–emotionally, physically, mentally and financially. It is in times like these that we need everyone to stand together and contribute in any way possible to sail through the crisis. Celebrities from different industries are doing their bit to contribute.
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Celebrities Make Donations For Relief Efforts
Bollywood biggies like Hrithik Roshan, sports stars like PV Sindhu and business tycoons like none other than the richest man in India, Mukesh Amban, have made some generous donations.
Hrithik Roshan
The War star has procured masks for BMC workers. “In times such as these, we must do whatever we can to ensure the safety of the most fundamental caretakers of our city and society. I have procured N95 and FFP3 masks for our BMC workers and other caretakers,” Hrithik tweeted.
Kapil Sharma
Comedy star Kapil took to Twitter and Instagram to announce that he was contributing a sum of Rs 50 lakh to the Prime Minister Relief Fund to help fight coronavirus in the country. “It”s time to stand together with the ones who need us. Contributing Rs 50 lakhs to the PM relief fund towards the #fightagainstcorona. Request everyone to #stayhome #staysafe #jaihind #PMrelieffund @narendramodi,” Kapil tweeted.
Rajinikanth
Rajinikanth was one of the first celebrities to provide support to daily wage workers by donating Rs 50 lakh to help support them during the crisis.
Prabhas
According to media reports, Baahubali star Prabhas has contributed Rs 1 crore to Andhra Pradesh CM relief fund and Telangana CM relief fund.
Mahesh Babu
Superstar of south Indian movies, Mahesh Babu has donated Rs 1 crore to the CM relief fund of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. “Lauding the exemplary efforts of the government in tackling coronavirus and doing their best to contain it. To support them in this fight, I’ve decided to do my part, contributing Rs 1 crore to the CM relief fund of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,” he said.
PV Sindhu
Shuttler PV Sindhu has donated a sum of Rs 5 lakh each to the Chief Minister’s Relief Funds of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to fight the dreaded disease. “I hereby donate an amount of Rs 5,00,000/- each (Rs five lakhs ) towards the Chief Ministers Relief Fund for the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to fight against Covid-19,” she tweeted.
Hima Das
Indian sprinter Hima Das has pledged to donate her entire one-month’s salary to Assam government’s coronavirus relief fund. “Friends it’s high time to stand together & support people who need us. I am contributing 1 month of my salary to Assam Govt. in Assam Arogya Nidhi Account made to safeguard the health of people in the wake of Covid-19. @narendramodi @sarbanandsonwal @KirenRijiju @himantabiswa,” she tweeted.
Bajrang Punia
Ace wrestler Bajrang Punia, who also works with the Railways as an officer on special duty (OSD), has donated six months of salary for coronavirus pandemic. “I have donated my six months’ salary towards relief fund for COVID-19 patients set up by Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar,” Punia, tweeted.
Sourav Ganguly
According to media, the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has pledged to donate Rs. 50 lakh to the underprivileged who are facing financial troubles due to the 21-day lockdown.
Gautam Gambhir
Cricketer turned politician, Gautam Gambhir, has also written to Delhi CM, Arvind Kejriwal, pledging his support of Rs. 50 lakh towards the treatment of Covid-19 patients. In a letter to Kejriwal, Gambhir wrote, “Kindly direct the officers in charge to let my office know about the requirements and please let me know if I could be off any other assistance.”
Irfan Pathan & Yusuf Pathan
Popularly known as the Pathan brothers, former cricketers Yusuf and Irfan Pathan have donated 4,000 masks for the relief of those suffering during the pandemic. Pacer Irfan tweeted, “Doing our bit for the society. Whatever u guys can do please go ahead and help each other as far as sanitation is concerned. But don’t gather crowd!@iamyusufpathan #corona it’s a small start hopefully we will be keep helping more. Everyone of us….”
Mukesh Ambani
India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani has announced a multi-pronged plan that involves prevention, mitigation and ongoing support. The Reliance Foundation has also set up India’s first dedicated COVID-19 center with 100 beds in Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai. Jio, on the other hand, is doubling the data limits of broadband users as long as the country fights coronavirus outbreak. Flagship Reliance Industries has also pledged to produce 1,00,000 masks each day for India’s healthcare workers.
Anand Mahindra
Anand Mahindra, the chairman of Mahindra group has offered Mahindra Holidays’ resorts as temporary care centers for COVID-19 patients. He has also set up a fund that includes 100% of his salary over the coming months to support those who are self-employed or own small businesses.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma
Founder of Paytm, Vijay Shekar Sharma has pledged to donate 5 Crore for any medical innovation related to the coronavirus. He has also started a helpline at Paytm at covidcure@paytm.com.
Various international stars too have come forward and made some generous contributions.
Rihanna
Singer Rihanna made a generous contribution of 5 million US dollars to various organisations working to provide for the needy during the coronavirus outbreak. According to the media, the funds will go to food banks in countries like Haiti and Malawi.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner, the world’s youngest billionaire, has donated a sum of 1 million US dollars that will be used to feed underprivileged children and buy thousands of masks and protective gears.
Ronaldo
Christiana Ronaldo has donated equipment to Portuguese hospitals in order to help healthcare professionals treat patients better.
We’re grateful that these celebrities are using their privilege to help those in dire need. They are doing their bit, are you?
Featured Image: Instagram